Kang Hee-rak, commissioner general of the National Police Agency, abruptly offered his resignation on Thursday with just seven months remaining in his term.
“I have decided that it is now the best time for me to step down to help the president as he seeks to reshuffle his organization for the remainder of his term in office,“ the commissioner said in a statement. ”I also believe this would be the best time (to provide opportunities) to promising junior officials.“
Kang also weighed in some of the major issues dealt over the past 17 months since he took office last March.
“I took leadership over the National Police Agency when the police top management level was left blank upon the resignation of my predecessor,” he said. “I feel proud to have achieved my duties amid such pressing issues and to have restored a secure society for the people.”
Kang took over the police agency in 2009 amid a public uproar triggered by a deadly police raid on citizens rallying against an urban redevelopment project in Yongsan area.
Cheong Wa Dae was expected to accept his resignation today.
The presidential office is poised to undergo another reorganization as President Lee Myung-bak faces his final two years in term.
The police chief’s sudden resignation raised heavy speculation about suspected political pressure.
Kang was said to have come under mounting pressure over a recent police torture scandal. Officers at Yangcheon police station were found to have tortured some suspects during interrogation.
The latest series of child rape and molestation cases also may have been linked to Kang’s decision to depart from office, those close to the matter said.
Despite the lingering questions, Kang vowed to complete his duties as incumbent chief until a successor steps in.
Jo Hyun-oh, commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, was cited as one of the major candidates for taking over the central police headquarters.
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